21 January 2022
Following yesterday’s press conference where it was confirmed that a 33-year old man had been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Freda Walker and the attempted murder of Ken Walker, I can now confirm that the Police have charged the person.
Vasile Culea was arrested at his home in Grove Road, Church Warsop, on Thursday 20 January by detectives investigating the incident. The swift and decisive action by the Police has led to this arrest and whilst this positive news will help reassure our local communities, the investigation is still active and we will continue to support the Police in any way we can.
On another positive note, Ken’s condition has improved slightly and we wish him a speedy recovery.
If anyone has any information that could help and assist the Police enquiries then please come forward. In particular detectives still want to speak to anyone who was walking or driving on Station Road between 4.30pm on Friday 14 January and 9am on Saturday 15 January to come forward as soon as possible.
Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 240-150122:
- Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website
- Phone – call us on 101.
- Major Incident Portal
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting Crime Stoppers.
The Police statement can be viewed on their website.
20 January 2022
Bolsover District Council Leader, Steve Fritchley attended a press conference with Assistant Chief Constable, Dave Kirby today (20 January) who announced that in the early hours of this morning they had arrested a 33 year old man in Warsop on suspicion of the murder of Freda Walker and attempted murder of Ken Walker. Ken is still in a critical condition in hospital.
The Police are still appealing for any witnesses who were in and around the area of Station Road, Langwith Junction from 4.30pm on Friday 14 January to 9am on Saturday 15 January to come forward so the Police can speak to them.
Steve said, "I am obviously delighted that an arrest has been made and would like to thank the Police for all their efforts to date in making this arrest and hopefully this will help local residents feel more comfortable and safe in the immediate area. We will continue to assist the Police in any way which we can to help get a conviction for this terrible incident."
The full Police statement can be viewed on their website.
17 January 2022
Steve Fritchley has said the entire community in Langwith Junction is shocked about the incidents over the weekend.
Former councillor and Honorary Alderman, Ken Walker and his wife Freda Walker were attacked whilst they were at their home. The Police were called to the property on Saturday (15 January) morning and Freda was pronounced dead at the scene. Ken is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
Steve said, “This is shocking news. It is terrible when something like this happens, but it really hits home when it happens on your doorstep and to someone you know.
“It’s very upsetting and I was quite angry over the weekend. Ken and Freda were in their own home, a place where everyone deserves to be and feel safe, only to be attacked and ultimately bringing Freda’s life to a premature end.
“We have heard many people say ‘oh Ken and Freda, what a lovely couple’ and they really were. This has sent shockwaves through the local community.
“I worked alongside Ken for many years on both the District and Town Council. Ken’s dedication and service to the public was an example to all. He always wanted to help people, do his best for the local community and he admirably represented the authority as chair for ten years, promoting the Council and district to whoever he could.
“Freda was lovely. Always wanting to help people, always had the time of day to say ‘hello’ and speak to them as they walked past. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the local community.
“Ken retired from being a District Councillor in 2019 and just when they should both be enjoying their twilight years together, this terrible incident has happened and our thoughts are with Ken and his family.”